Help! 1986 Front Speaker Install

[tdf]

I made the mistake of pulling my dash pad out of my 86. With the speakers attached it came out with a little bending and pulling. Then I tried to get it back in after repairing some behind dash wiring. Oooops!!! :confused Does not go back in with the same ease. I cannot get the the metal fingers into the slots in the under windshield frame. I'm guessing the dash pad is installed at the factory before the windshield install or such.

Has anyone else has issues betting the dash pad back in their early C4s?

Regards, Tom

 

[tdf]

Someone?

Surely I'm not the first to pull the Dash Pad! All I want to know is am I going to have to have the windshield removed to get the pad back in ? It seems that is the case.

 

[joshwilson3]

I don't know anything about the dash pad removal/install. But I wouldn't think you would need to pull the windshield to install the dash pad. I would keep looking for a solution as a windshield pull could cost $1k. And if not done right, leave you with water leaks.

 

[vetteboy86]

I've seen the windshield pulled in C3's for between 2-3 hundred dollars. A local company did it. The trick is not to damage the windshield. I'm not familiar at all with removing the dash pad. I'm wondering if my FSM would have any information on the topic.

 

[joshwilson3]

I've seen the windshield pulled in C3's for between 2-3 hundred dollars. A local company did it. The trick is not to damage the windshield. I'm not familiar at all with removing the dash pad. I'm wondering if my FSM would have any information on the topic.

Yeah, I forgot he wouldn't be getting a new windshield. So the cost could be $800+. Just depends on if they damage the windshield. If they damage the weatherstrip retainers, reveal molding, or damage the weatherstripping. Which most places will damage those pieces. Or say they won't, then damage it, and you find out later when water is leaking into the car. You're probably looking around or over $600 just for the weatherstripping, reveal molding, and retainers.

I believe by the book, you are supposed to replace those pieces on a windshield install. I know GM still sells those pieces which you would figure would have been discontinued since it isn't a regularly replaced item like a coolant hose or something.

Though, I don't know if they would be willing to pull the windshield, then come back later to install it after you have figured out how to install the dash pad. Then reinstall it. I'm betting you will get charged for 2 visits if they do.

 

[Ugolino]

I've removed the dash a million times on the early c4s I owned. Did you tilt the steering wheel down as far as it will go? You just have to keep trying, eventually it goes in. You may have to bend the metal tabs down a bit to get them to cooperate. And don't try to get all four of them in at the same time, it will drive you nuts, just start on one side and then work your way to the other side. It should go in just fine.

 

[tdf]

Re-Install

Glad to hear that someone has been successful with re-installation. I had thought about maybe bending the metal fingers a bit. Currently I have the pad in without the speakers. The issue with mine is with the speakers attached it forces the pad up so much it seems near impossible to get the fingers into the slots. I will give it another try when I have a big dose of patience.

Thanks for the help!

 

[CorvetteArchives]

I do it all the time....seems like at least 2x a year. Since you got the pad back in it seems you can do it with more patience. Is it really all the way in? Sometimes I think its in only to have a small gap at windshield due to not fully overcoming the clip resistance.

You have to get the clips aligned then push them in slightly while raising the front edge so its at a slight angle while simultaneously pushing fairly evenly along the entire length of the pad. You cant do just one end at a time because they wont be aligned but have to wiggle the clips fairly evenly.

It is somewhat easier if the digital dash and the center console is removed since I know I worry about scratching them when I do it. Plus you can then see the clips better. As someone mentioned the wheel should be all the way down. I have speakers attached as well and this certainly makes it more difficult. Maybe your speakers are a little deeper? I know that with the speakers it does sometime hit the top of the wheel manuvering in the pad. Removing the wheel might give you the extra room you need.

I also found that the corners tend to grab on the side pillers as well as the fuse box panel cover and the drivers side vent panel. Try removing those as well for that extra wiggle room.
Be patient and it should work out eventually!